‘Moana’ Star Auli’i Cravalho Says She Grew Up On Food Stamps

Auli’i Cravalho’s breakout role as “Moana” was a transformative moment for both her budding career and her family’s journey.

At just 14 years old, Cravalho landed the role of Disney’s iconic Polynesian princess in the 2016 animated classic, with the film premiering when she was 16.

Now, as the sequel “Moana 2” captivates audiences, Auli’i Cravalho is reflecting on the profound influence of her parents — who divorced during her childhood — and expressing gratitude for the support they’ve provided throughout her life.

The 24-year-old actress opened up about her upbringing in a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, where she revealed that she grew up on food stamps while living on Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu.

“We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani when I was cast,” Cravalho shared. “I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch. She gave me everything.”

Thanks to the success of her debut film, “Moana,” Auli’i Cravalho was able to give back to her mother, Puanani Cravalho, in an extraordinary way.

“I bought my mommy a house. She’s happily retired,” Auli’i shared in her interview with PEOPLE. “Your parents give you so much. Kids feel a little indebted, I’m going to be honest!” she stated. “But we feel so grateful for our parents’ sacrifices.”

Following her breakout role, Cravalho continued to build an impressive résumé with performances in projects like “Rise,” “Crush,” “Darby and the Dead,” “The Power,” and “Mean Girls.” She also made her Broadway debut in September, starring as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”

Auli’i reprised her role as Moana in 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and returned to voice the beloved character in the highly anticipated sequel, “Moana 2.”

In July, Auli’i Cravalho shared her excitement about returning as Moana in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.

“It was such a joy to be back on the big screen as Moana,” she said. “I am turning 24 this year, and getting to come back to this character has been really lovely. I get to sing songs that are Disney-fied, but again, there’s also growth in a character. I think it’s so special that, for the first time, we get to see a Disney princess grow up.”

“Moana 2,” set a few years after the events of the original film, follows Moana as she embarks on a daring new journey. Joined by the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and a fresh crew of adventurers, she sets out on a mission to reunite her people across the vast.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Auli’i Cravalho reflected on how closely she’s been identified with her breakout role.

“My name was no longer Auli’i — everyone called me Moana up and down the hall, including some of my teachers!” she told the outlet when asked what she remembered about the day she got the news.

“I absolutely owe the start of my career to Moana, and I have done roles now that have stretched me as an actor and made me grow as a person,” she added. “But I also find myself deeply connected still to Moana in that I miss my family all the time when I’m gone.”

Disney’s “Moana 2” made a stunning debut at the box office, earning $221 million domestically over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, setting a new record for the holiday period. Internationally, the film brought in an additional $165.8 million, pushing its global opening total to an impressive $389 million and surpassing previous records for animated film debuts.

With a production budget of $150 million, “Moana 2” is already proving to be a significant financial success. The film claimed the number one spot in every market except China, where it faced strong competition from local releases.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel continues the journey of the young heroine as she sets out on an unexpected adventure into long-lost waters, guided by a call from her ancestors. Naturally, Maui makes a return, joining her on this new quest.

“Moana 2” is playing in theaters now.